Idaho BaseCamp Events, Tickets and Planning Guide

Events at Idaho BaseCamp range from boutique electronic weekends to family barbecues, youth camps and retreats on a remote Big Lost River campus.

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Lost River Disco 2023

jeu., 20 juil. - dim., 23 juil. 2023

juil.

20 - 23

Idaho Basecamp

Mackay

Events and Programming

Idaho BaseCamp remains open and active, but it is not a conventional concert venue with a year-round show calendar. The organization’s Big Lost Campus hosts outdoor education, overnight youth programs, retreats, private rentals and occasional public gatherings. Visitors should expect a small number of destination events rather than weekly concerts. As of August 23, 2026, no verified 2027 concert or festival schedule had been published.

The best-documented performance series is Lost River Disco, a boutique, 21-and-older gathering built around house, techno, visual art, wellness activities and outdoor recreation. It began at the campus in 2016, paused for five years and returned with an attendance cap of approximately 350 in 2021. Organizers described it as an intimate, leave-no-trace community gathering rather than a large commercial festival.

2021: The July weekend featured DAVI, Anden, Gab Rhome, Lauren Mia, Marques Wyatt, Matthias Meyer, m.O.N.R.O.E., Sarkis Mikael, Zen Freeman and a substantial supporting lineup. Yoga, swimming, fly-fishing and food and craft vendors complemented the music. Weekend admission was approximately $210 before fees, while a Saturday pass was approximately $150. ticketfairy.com
2022: The next edition ran as a three-day gathering with Themba, DAVI, Anden, SOHMI and Sarkis Mikael among the announced artists. Admission was approximately $240, the minimum age was 21 and the program again combined electronic music with art, massage, sound baths, yoga, swimming and river activities.
2023: Yotto and Öona Dahl led a lineup that included Sam Shure, Anden, Lauren Mia, SWAYLÓ, Cash Rose, Carly King, St. Terrible and numerous regional artists. The weekend sold out before arrival, with no tickets offered at the gate. Standard weekend admission was approximately $240, with separate early-arrival and camping options.
2024: Advance pages referred to a possible 2024 edition, but the available event history does not document a completed festival or confirmed lineup. It should not be treated as an annual event unless a new edition is formally announced.
2025–2026: Public programming shifted toward mission-focused community gatherings. The second annual Big Lost BBQ took place on July 26, 2026, confirming an inaugural edition in 2025. The family event offered complimentary lunch and refreshments, fishing, swimming, activities and guided campus tours.

Current retreat programming also illustrates the site’s broader identity. A women’s skill-share gathering has advertised movement, ritual, reflection, nature-based workshops and self-contained RV camping, with sliding-scale weekend admission from about $225 to $325. The campus continues to accommodate yoga retreats, corporate events, fishing tours, wilderness-based programs and artist residencies.

Youth programming occupies much of the calendar. Mountain Adventure Tours operates themed summer sessions involving hiking, swimming, caves, hot springs, outdoor skills, road trips and BaseCamp overnights. Recent weekly prices have ranged from roughly $599 for younger day programs to $995 for extended adventures. The Sahm fifth-grade program brings school groups to the campus for three-day, two-night experiences in spring and fall.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets and registrations are handled by each event organizer; there is no publicly documented permanent box office at the property. Advance purchase is the safest approach. The 2023 Lost River Disco sold out completely, and earlier editions exhausted limited early-bird allocations. Remote-site logistics, camping limits and deliberately restricted attendance make last-minute admission especially uncertain. ticketfairy.com

Pricing depends on the format. Historical electronic-music weekends cost about $210–$240 before optional camping or early arrival. Current retreat pricing has fallen around $225–$325, with a self-contained RV space offered separately for approximately $75. Family open-house events may be complimentary, while multi-day youth programs generally cost several hundred dollars. There is no standard venue-wide pricing structure.

Review what admission includes before paying. Camping, RV parking, glamping, meals and early access have previously been separate products. Festival policies have also made sales final and treated events as rain or shine. Popular events should be booked when the first public sales window opens rather than after travel or lodging arrangements are made.

About Idaho BaseCamp

Idaho BaseCamp’s Big Lost Campus is a 12.5-acre environmental education and retreat property at 4921 Trail Creek Road outside Mackay. The land borders the Big Lost River and is divided into an upper property containing buildings and lodging structures and a lower property with trails, campsites and river access. It is about 11 miles from Mackay and 29 miles from central Ketchum by the seasonal Trail Creek route.

The organization traces its work to 1997, with Mountain Adventure Tours beginning in the late 1990s. Idaho BaseCamp became a tax-exempt educational nonprofit in 2014. No single opening date for the Mackay venue is documented because the property developed in stages as campsites, yurts, cabins, educational spaces and community facilities were added.

The campus has approximately 2,000 square feet of permanent building space, including the Borah Basin Community Building, a basic kitchen, multiple yurts and sleeping cabins. No official overall event capacity, room dimensions or maximum seated occupancy is publicly listed. The 350-person cap used for Lost River Disco in 2021 was an organizer’s event limit, not a confirmed fire-code capacity for the property.

Seating and Layout

There is no permanent seating bowl, numbered section, balcony or published seating chart. Large gatherings use outdoor clearings, lawns and camping areas, producing a flexible general-admission layout. Where chairs are permitted, low camp chairs or blankets are more suitable than full-size furniture. Exact chair rules, accessible viewing locations and stage placement can change with each temporary event.

The best position depends on the experience you want. The front offers proximity and greater sound intensity; the middle usually provides a balanced view; and the rear leaves more room to move or sit. Uneven grass, dirt paths and riverbank terrain may affect sightlines and mobility. Indoor workshops use the smaller community building rather than a fixed auditorium configuration.

No permanent VIP deck or reserved seating area is documented. Previous festivals sold camping, glamping and arrival upgrades, but these should not be confused with better views. Likewise, no official acoustic map exists because stages, speakers and dance areas are installed for individual events.

Getting There and Parking

From Mackay, follow Trail Creek Road west for approximately 11 miles; the campus is on the left. From Ketchum during the open-road season, follow Sun Valley Road east as it becomes Trail Creek Road and continue approximately 29 miles; the campus is on the right. The Ketchum approach includes a high, gravel mountain road that is minimally maintained and normally closes in winter.

There is no regular public transportation to the campus, and a rideshare pickup should not be assumed. Visitors need a private vehicle, a designated driver or transportation specifically arranged by the event. Save directions before leaving town and allow extra time for gravel, dust, wildlife, weather, washouts and event traffic. Trail Creek Road has experienced temporary mudslide closures even during summer.

Parking arrangements are event-specific. Festival weekends have offered car camping, RV camping and glamping as paid additions, while retreats may limit RV spaces and provide no hookups. A universal parking price, paved parking lot or permanent rideshare zone is not published. Follow parking staff on arrival and never assume that a standard admission ticket includes overnight vehicle access.

Inside the Venue

Idaho BaseCamp feels more like a rustic outdoor campus than a theater. Expect yurts, cabins, campsites, trails, a river corridor, a basic kitchen and the Borah Basin Community Building. Food service, bars, merchandise, water stations and security screening are installed according to the event; they are not guaranteed permanent amenities. There is no documented coat check, ATM, public Wi-Fi network or full-time concession operation.

No permanent house sound system, lighting inventory, stage dimensions, loading specifications or production rider is publicly available. Music festivals bring temporary stages, amplification, DJ equipment, lighting and power appropriate to that edition. Artists and production teams should obtain current technical details directly through the event producer rather than treating the campus as a fully equipped concert hall.

Entry procedures also vary. Ticketed adult festivals have required valid admission and photo identification, while youth programs use registration records, health information and waivers. Organizers may inspect vehicles or bags and can alter programming for safety. Photography with ordinary personal cameras has previously been permitted at festivals, but commercial recording requires approval.

Nearby Amenities

Nothing is within a practical pre-show walk. Mackay, about 11 miles away, is the closest dependable place for fuel, groceries, dining and lodging. Local food options include 9 Peaks Restaurant and Lounge, Bear Bottom Inn, Ken’s Club and Steakhouse, L7 Bar and Grill and Dana’s Place. Hours can be limited in a small mountain community, so eat and refuel before heading west.

Mackay lodging includes the Bear Bottom Inn, Wagon Wheel Motel and RV Park, White Knob Motel and RV Park, the Mackay Mansion and Windysage Farmstay. Inventory is limited and event weekends can create extra demand. Ketchum and Sun Valley provide a wider range of hotels but require a longer return drive over Trail Creek Road when the pass is open.

What Makes Idaho BaseCamp Special

The architectural centerpiece is the Borah Basin Community Building, opened in August 2017 after a three-year project. Approximately 75 percent of its materials were reported as recycled, and its hempcrete wall system combines hemp hurd with a lime-based binder to provide insulation. The project was widely described as the first public-use hempcrete building in the United States.

Its design incorporated passive-solar ideas and solar thermal heating while creating the large indoor gathering space the campus previously lacked. That addition expanded possibilities for classrooms, writing workshops, yoga, movement programs and four-season shelter. The building also became an early proof of concept for a sustainable-materials company that subsequently grew in Idaho.

A larger campus expansion has been progressing during the mid-2020s. A 2024 grant supported new construction at Big Lost, and fundraising materials identified a proposed lodge, teaching kitchen, dining space, staff housing, gear facilities and improved circulation between the upper and lower property. Current retreat information warns that a new lodge is under construction, so visitors should not assume those future facilities are complete or available.

The setting is equally distinctive. Children helped shape and name some of its paths and gathering areas, while music events place temporary stages among cottonwoods, river access and open mountain scenery. That overlap between youth-built outdoor campus and adult arts gathering gives the property a character unlike a purpose-built amphitheater.

Accessibility, Policies and Visitor Tips

No comprehensive public ADA inventory is available for the Big Lost Campus, and official information does not confirm accessible parking counts, hearing-assistance systems, accessible campsites or the grade and surface of every route. Much of the property consists of dirt, gravel, grass, trails and riverbank terrain. Visitors requiring step-free access, mobility assistance or adapted facilities should secure event-specific arrangements before purchasing admission.

There is no universal bag, pet, alcohol, chair or reentry policy covering every use of the campus. Previous music events were 21 and older, rain or shine, leave no trace and nonrefundable. Family barbecues and youth programs operate under different rules. Read the instructions supplied for the exact gathering and do not rely on policies remembered from another event.

Wear sturdy footwear and bring layers, sun protection and weatherproof clothing. A headlamp is useful after dark, and ear protection is sensible for amplified music. Bring only camping equipment, chairs, food and beverages specifically permitted by the organizer. The Big Lost River is an attractive feature, but swimming and fishing should occur only where the event allows them and under the stated safety rules.

Community and Cultural Impact

Idaho BaseCamp’s main impact comes from education rather than ticketed entertainment. Its fifth-grade program served more than 430 students from six Idaho counties in 2024, while current materials describe participation by at least 12 schools across seven counties. Testimonials repeatedly credit the experience with developing teamwork, confidence, environmental awareness and a willingness to move beyond personal comfort zones.

The nonprofit reported approximately $2.14 million in 2024 revenue, $1.31 million in expenses and more than $677,000 in wages, indicating a meaningful regional operational footprint. Public festivals add visitors who use Mackay-area fuel, food and lodging, although no independent economic-impact study has quantified that spending. Culturally, the campus connects rural outdoor education with sustainable architecture, artist residencies, retreats and occasional nationally drawn music lineups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Idaho BaseCamp still open?

Yes. Idaho BaseCamp remains an active nonprofit, and the Big Lost Campus continues to host school programs, summer camps, retreats, rentals and community gatherings. It should not, however, be treated as a regularly operating concert hall. Public access depends on a specific event or program, and the property is not an unrestricted public campground or walk-in attraction.

What is the capacity of Idaho BaseCamp?

No official venue-wide capacity has been published. Lost River Disco was capped at approximately 350 people in 2021, with its organizer discussing a possible future maximum of 500, but those numbers represent event-planning decisions rather than a confirmed legal capacity. The permanent indoor facilities comprise approximately 2,000 square feet, while larger gatherings use outdoor portions of the 12.5-acre property.

Is Idaho BaseCamp indoors or outdoors?

It is primarily an outdoor campus with trails, lawns, campsites, river access, yurts and cabins. The Borah Basin Community Building provides indoor gathering and classroom space, but concerts and larger festivals use temporary outdoor layouts. Visitors should prepare for direct sun, dust, changing temperatures, rain and uneven ground even when part of the scheduled programming takes place indoors.

Are events at Idaho BaseCamp all ages?

Age limits depend entirely on the program. Lost River Disco was strictly 21 and older, while the Big Lost BBQ welcomed families. Summer camps serve defined youth age groups, and school programs are organized for participating classes. Never infer an age policy from the venue itself; check the specific event description and bring government-issued photo identification when attending an adults-only gathering. ticketfairy.com

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Do not count on gate sales. The 2023 electronic-music weekend sold out in advance and explicitly offered no tickets at the door. Smaller community events may use free registration or a guest list, but there is no permanent walk-up ticket office. Purchase or register before traveling, particularly when attendance, parking or camping is deliberately limited. ticketfairy.com

Can visitors camp overnight?

Only when the program or event expressly includes camping. Previous music festivals offered tent, car, RV and glamping options, often as separate add-ons. Youth groups also use the campus for supervised overnights. The property is not a public campground where visitors can arrive independently and pitch a tent, so overnight access must be connected to a reservation or organized program.

Are there RV hookups at Idaho BaseCamp?

Do not assume hookups are available. A current retreat has advertised a limited number of self-contained RV spaces with no hookups, and earlier festivals treated RV camping as a separate weekend pass. Travelers should arrive with sufficient water, power and waste capacity unless their event materials specifically promise services. Large trailers may also be unsuitable for the seasonal Ketchum-side mountain road.

Can I bring a chair or blanket?

Policies vary because the campus has no permanent audience seating. A blanket or compact, low-profile camp chair may be appropriate for outdoor programs, but some dance-oriented events may restrict furniture in performance areas. Check the permitted-items list before departure. If chairs are allowed, position them where they do not obstruct circulation, emergency routes or another guest’s view.

What happens if it rains?

Past festival terms classified the event as rain or shine and allowed organizers to interrupt, alter or cancel activities when safety required it. Mountain weather can change quickly, and outdoor areas may become muddy. Pack waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. Refund protection should not be assumed, because previous ticket terms made sales final and excluded refunds under several weather-related circumstances.

Is Idaho BaseCamp wheelchair accessible?

A complete, verified accessibility specification has not been published. The campus combines buildings with grass, gravel, dirt, campsites and river trails, so independent movement may be difficult in some areas. Visitors should request details about parking proximity, step-free entry, restroom access, seating and route surfaces from the organizer before booking. Do not rely on a general venue description for event-specific accommodations.

Are pets allowed?

There is no confirmed property-wide pet policy for public events. Youth programs, retreats and music festivals may impose different restrictions because of food service, wildlife, crowds and camping conditions. Unless the event expressly states that pets are welcome, arrange alternative care. Service-animal access should be discussed in advance so staff can explain terrain, river hazards and available facilities.

Is cell service available?

The campus is in a remote mountain valley, so visitors should not depend on uninterrupted mobile data for admission, navigation or transportation. Download tickets, directions and important instructions before leaving Mackay or Ketchum. Carry a charged phone and portable battery, but establish meeting points and return transportation in advance rather than relying on a last-minute rideshare request.

Does the venue sell food and drinks?

Food service depends on the event. Lost River Disco advertised food vendors and craft cocktails, while the Big Lost BBQ included a complimentary meal and refreshments. Retreats may include planned meals, and the campus has a basic kitchen, but there is no permanent public restaurant or concession stand. Confirm whether meals, alcohol and refill water are provided before deciding what to bring.

Where should I stay after an event?

Mackay is the closest practical lodging base, with small inns, motels, vacation accommodations and RV parks. Book early because local inventory is limited. Ketchum and Sun Valley offer more choices, but the return trip is considerably longer and uses seasonal Trail Creek Road. Never plan to sleep in a vehicle on the property unless overnight parking is included in your reservation.

How early should I arrive?

For a daytime open house, arriving 20–30 minutes before the announced start should allow time for parking and check-in. For a camping festival or retreat, follow the assigned arrival window and allow substantially more time to place your vehicle and set up camp. Add a buffer for gravel-road conditions, temporary traffic control and changing mountain weather.

What should first-time visitors bring?

Bring sturdy shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, a rain shell, a refillable water bottle, required identification and any personal medication. A headlamp, portable charger and insect repellent are useful for evening events. Add camping gear only when your reservation permits an overnight stay. Keep possessions compact and pack out waste in keeping with the campus’s environmental education and leave-no-trace character.

Idaho BaseCamp Events, Tickets and Planning Guide

Lost River Disco 2023

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